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Butterfly Hinges Andrew McCaul

Butterfly Hinges

Named for their ornamental, mirror-image leaves, or wings, butterfly hinges have been allowing everything from cupboards to shutters to trunks—anything with a door or a flap or a lid—to gracefully swing open and closed for centuries. “While these hinges enjoyed a peak in popularity from the 1870s to the 1930s, some forms can be traced back as far as medieval England, or more recently, to colonial America,” says hardware historian and architectural consultant Bo Sullivan. Today they are a quick way to give kitchen cabinets and other built-ins a decorative boost and a shot of vintage style. Here, 10 we lit upon that are sure to please.

Scalloped Edges

Scalloped Edges Hinge Andrew McCaul

Hardware Hut $2.23 per pair

Made of: Steel with an oil-rubbed-bronze finish

Size: 2⅜"W x 2¼"H

Highlights: This decorative winged shape is a classic.

To the Point

To the Point Hinges Andrew McCaul

House of Antique Hardware $4.29 per pair

Made of: Steel with a bronze finish

Size: 3¾"W x 1¾"H

Highlights: Elongated leaves give this faithful reproduction Gothic flair.

Wrought Look

Wrought Look  Hinges Andrew McCaul

Signature Hardware $5.95 each

Made of: Cast iron

Size: 2⅛"W x 3⅜"H

Highlights: This shapely style, with roots in the Middle Ages, boasts dramatic, sculptural lines.

Ornate Appeal

Ornate Appeal Hinge Andrew McCaul

House of Antique Hardware $7.09 per pair

Made of: Lacquered cast iron

Size: 2⅛"W x 1¼"H

Highlights: This hinge’s fleur-de-lis decoration is pure Victoriana.

Squared Away

Squared Away Hinge Andrew McCaul

Van Dyke’s Restorers $7.07 per pair

Made of: Steel with an antique-copper finish

Size: 2⅜"W x 1¾"H

Highlights: This angular style would suit a Craftsman interior.

Serpentine

Serpentine Hinge Andrew McCaul

Signature Hardware $7.95 each

Made of: Hand-forged iron with an ebony finish

Size: 1 5⁄8”W x 2¾"H

Highlights: This Gothic- style hinge boasts the look of hammered metal.

Primitive Appeal

Primitive Appeal  Hinge Andrew McCaul

Van Dyke’s Restorers $4.86 each

Made of: Steel with an antique-rust finish

Size: 3⅜"W x 2"H

Highlights: This strap style hits just the right rustic note.

Winged Beauty

Winged Beauty Hinge Andrew McCaul

House of Antique Hardware $4.89 per pair

Made of: Steel with a satin black-lacquer finish

Size: 2"W x 2¼"H

Highlights: This simple flared design recalls the handwrought work of colonial-era blacksmiths.

Pint-Size

Scalloped Edge Hinge Andrew McCaul

Van Dyke’s Restorers $5.35 per pair

Made of: Steel with an antique-copper finish

Size: 2"W x 1 7⁄16"H

Highlights: This delicate model would complement a small-scale door.

Sharp Lines

Sharp Lines Hinge Andrew McCaul

Hardware Hut $3.03 per pair

Made of: Steel with an oil-rubbed-bronze finish

Size: 2½"W x 2"H

Highlights: Pointed leaves add distinction to this circa-1900 model.